In Chennai, traffic personnel who entertain motorists with stylised ways of regulating traffic, which include dance moves, are a growing tribe. S. Rajesh is one of its newest members.
Rajesh does not operate at a fixed location. Some of the junctions he is assigned duty include Ethiraj College, Anna Salai, Gandhi Irwin Bridge Road and Royapettah clock tower. With his deft, dance-like gestures, he puts a smile on the faces of commuters as he directs traffic on these roads.
“I became a traffic cop four months ago and I initiated this as an experiment. It was appreciated almost immediately, and I enjoy each and every minute of my work because of it,” says the resident of Royapuram who belong to the D2 Station.
“Many people praise my moves and take selfies with me. Last week, a family from Bangalore stopped to talk to me and take videos,” he says.
His senior officers have also encouraged him to keep up the efforts to help motorists beat the tedium of waiting at signals.
“During the day, it gets a little hot, but I don’t mind it much. Sometimes, if I am on duty after dusk, I do my movements with torch lights in my hand,” he says.
Rajesh, who has been a part of the police force for the last 13 years, is also involved in social service.
“I often help feed the needy and homeless wherever I see them. In fact, when word of my dance moves got out, and people started interacting with me, they have offered to help me in my efforts to help those in need,” says Rajesh.
